U.S. patent application number 13/020421 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for animal identification entertainment and safety device.
Invention is credited to Richard Daye.
Application Number | 20120199081 13/020421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46599795 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120199081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daye; Richard |
August 9, 2012 |
ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION ENTERTAINMENT AND SAFETY DEVICE
Abstract
An animal identification entertainment and safety device acts as
a play toy, an animal identifier and a movement control device. The
device includes a main body having a concave bottom portion that is
capable of resting on the back of an animal, the device includes
attachment units for connecting to an animal collar and a leash.
The device can connect only to the collar of an animal in order to
act as an identification unit and to prevent a pet owner from being
bitten.
Inventors: |
Daye; Richard; (Orlando,
FL) |
Family ID: |
46599795 |
Appl. No.: |
13/020421 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/707 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 27/006 20130101;
A01K 11/00 20130101; A01K 27/008 20130101; A01K 15/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/707 |
International
Class: |
A01K 29/00 20060101
A01K029/00; A01K 27/00 20060101 A01K027/00 |
Claims
1. An animal identification, entertainment and safety device,
comprising: a main body having a concave bottom portion configured
to rest on a back side of an animal, said concave portion having a
first and second side; a first attachment unit affixed to a front
portion of the main body, said first attachment unit being
configured to be removably secured to an animal collar; a second
attachment unit affixed to a back portion of the main body, said
second attachment unit being configured to be removably secured to
a leash; and a primary internal support member configured to
connect the first and second attachment units together, said
support member being configured to prevent the first and second
attachment units from achieving a separation distance that is
greater than a rip tolerance of the main body.
2. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, wherein said concave portion is configured to expand and
contract to match a size of the animal's back.
3. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 2, further comprising: one or more traction units configured
to secure the concave portion to the back side of the animal.
4. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, wherein said main body comprises a handle configured to
allow a user to direct the movements of the animal.
5. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 4, wherein the device is further configured to prevent the
animal from biting a hand of a user holding the main body.
6. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, further comprising: a pair of secondary support members
secured between the primary support member and each of the first
and second sides of the concave portion.
7. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 6, further comprising: a strap having a first end connected
to the first side of the concave portion and a second end connected
to the second side of the concave portion, said strap being
configured to form a harness around the animal.
8. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, wherein each of said first and second attachment units
include at least one of a clip, ring, compression fitting, magnetic
element and a strap.
9. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, wherein the main body includes a novelty shape.
10. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 9, wherein the main body includes a shape of a jockey.
11. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, wherein the device is configured to act as an animal play
toy when not connected to a leash and a collar.
12. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 11, wherein the device is configured to float.
13. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, wherein the device is configured to act as an animal
identification unit when connected only to the animal collar.
14. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 1, further comprising: a pocket for transporting items, said
pocket being positioned within the main body.
15. An animal identification, entertainment and safety device,
comprising: a main body having a concave bottom portion configured
to rest on a back side of an animal, said concave portion having a
first and second side; a plurality of attachment units configured
to secure the device to one or more external objects; a front
portion configured to be removably secured to an animal collar; a
back portion configured to be removably secured to a leash; a strap
having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends
being configured to be removably attached to the first and second
side of the concave portion, respectively, wherein said strap is
further configured to form a harness around a body of the animal;
and one or more internal support members configured to prevent the
first and second attachment units from achieving a separation
distance that is greater than a rip tolerance of the main body.
16. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 15, wherein at least one of said plurality of attachment
units includes at least one of a clip, ring, compression fitting,
magnetic element and a strap.
17. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 15, further comprising: a pocket for transporting items, said
pocket being positioned within the main body.
18. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 15, wherein the main body includes a novelty shape.
19. An animal identification, entertainment and safety device,
comprising: a main body having a concave bottom portion configured
to rest on a back side of an animal, said concave portion having a
first and second side; a collar affixed to a front portion of the
main body, said collar being configured to expand and contract to
fit over a head and neck of an animal; an attachment unit affixed
to a back portion of the main body, said attachment unit being
configured to be removably secured to a leash; and a primary
internal support member configured to connect the collar and the
second attachment unit together, said support member being
configured to prevent the collar and second attachment unit from
achieving a separation distance that is greater than a rip
tolerance of the main body.
20. The animal identification, entertainment, and safety device of
claim 19, further comprising: a strap having a first end connected
to the first side of the concave portion and a second end connected
to the second side of the concave portion, said strap being
configured to form a harness around the animal.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an animal collar
attachment, and more particularly to a device capable of easily
identifying an animal, while providing entertainment and safety to
pet owners.
[0002] Responsible pet owners often walk their pets on a leash to
local parks and other recreational areas. Upon arrival, many pet
owners will unleash their animals in order to allow them to run and
play with other pets. To this end, identifying a particular animal
out of the crowd can often be difficult. Alternatively, a pet owner
may choose to bring pet toys in order to play with the animal
directly.
[0003] In some circumstances, when many pets are roaming a common
area, disputes between the animals can arise. When this occurs, the
pet owners must quickly intervene before injuries occur. This is
typically accomplished by grabbing an animal's collar and
attempting to separate it from the offending activity. However,
sometimes the pet can mistake the hand of an owner as an attacker,
which can result in the owner being bitten.
[0004] In light of the above, it would be beneficial to provide a
single device which is capable of quickly identifying an animal,
providing entertainment, and providing a safe means of controlling
the movement of the animal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to an animal
identification, entertainment and safety device. One embodiment of
the present invention can include a main body having a concave
bottom portion that is capable of resting on the back of an animal.
The device can be interposed between the collar and leash of the
animal. Additionally, the device can connect only to the collar of
an animal in order to act as an identification unit and to prevent
a pet owner from being bitten.
[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention can include a
removable strap configured to allow the device to act as an animal
harness. Finally, the device can include a construction suitable
for acting as a play toy for the animal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings.
It should be appreciated; however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of an animal identification,
entertainment, and safety device which is useful for understanding
the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0009] FIG. 2 is another side view of the animal identification,
entertainment, and safety device according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the animal identification,
entertainment, and safety device according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of the animal identification,
entertainment, and safety device according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the animal identification,
entertainment, and safety device in action, according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is another side view of the animal identification,
entertainment, and safety device in action, according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the
animal identification, entertainment, and safety device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention which are regarded as novel, it is
believed the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, an
invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases
used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide
an understandable description of the invention.
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of an animal
identification, entertainment, and safety device 10 that is useful
for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As
shown, the main body 11 can include, for example, a distinctive
and/or humorous shape such as a jockey, for example. As shown, the
device 10 can act as a toy for playing fetch and can be constructed
to float and/or to squeak when bitten by the animal. To this end,
when not secured to an animal (as will be described below in
detail), the device can function as a recreational toy for the
enjoyment of both the pet and the pet owner. Although illustrated
in this embodiment as a jockey, one of skill in the art will
recognize that the main body 11 can take any number of different
shapes and designs without deviating from the scope and spirit of
the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0017] Additionally, device 10 further includes a front attachment
unit 12 having an optional clip 15 for allowing the main body 11 to
be attached to the collar 5 of an animal 1. As shown, attachment
unit 12 can include two substantially parallel members 12a and 12b
(i.e., arms of the jockey) secured together by a cross member
12c.
[0018] Moreover, the device can include a rear attachment unit 13
incorporating a ring, loop or other such device capable of being
secured to a traditional leash 2. Further, the device 10 can also
include a pair of optional lower attachment units 14 to be
described below. As shown, the device 10 can be interposed between
the leash 2 and the collar of the animal 5, so as to prevent a user
from having to carry the device while walking the animal.
[0019] Although described above as having fixed locations, one of
skill in the art will recognize that attachment units 12 and 13 can
be positioned anywhere along the main body in order to suit the
particular novelty shape of the device and/or the type of animal to
which it is being secured.
[0020] FIG. 2 also illustrates an optional pocket 20 having an
opening 21, such as a zipper, for allowing items to be stored
within the main body 11. Such a feature can allow items to be
stored inside the device 10 and to be carried by the animal.
[0021] As described herein, the main body 11 can be constructed
from a wide variety of materials ranging, for example, from
hardened rubber, neoprene, and nylon, to a stuffed cotton blend,
for example. Of course other materials are also contemplated.
Additionally, it is preferred that the front attachment unit be
constructed from a reinforced material having excellent durability
and tensile strength, such as nylon straps, plastic, or metal
coated with a soft outer material. Alternatively, both attachment
units and the optional clip(s) can be constructed to include,
comprise, or connect with, in either a permanent or removable
fashion, virtually any known means of attaching two or more items
together including, but not limited to: clips, rings, compression
fittings, magnetic elements, straps and rope, among many others,
for example.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an interior portion of
the main body 11. Owing to the fact that when the device 10 is
interposed between an animal 1 and a leash 2, a great amount of
opposing force will be encountered by the attachment units 12 and
13. Therefore, the device 10 can include an internal support member
30 secured to the inside of both the first attachment unit 12a and
the second attachment unit 13a in order to prevent the device from
becoming damaged. In one preferred embodiment, the support member
30 can allow the attachment units to separate only to a distance d
that can be tolerated by the material of the outer body of the
device 10. As such, the support member 30 can prevent the device 10
from being ripped in half when, for instance, the animal is running
in one direction and the pet owner is pulling the leash in another
direction.
[0023] Additionally, in an alternate embodiment, the device 10 can
also include one or more lower support members 31 connected to the
internal support member 30 and each of the optional lower
attachment units 14 to be described below.
[0024] As described herein, support members 30 and 31 can be
constructed from a material having a strong yet flexible shape,
such as a nylon tether, a metallic cord or other similar materials.
Alternatively, the support members 30 and 31 can be constructed
from a more rigid material such as hardened plastic, wood, metal or
composite materials in order to provide strength and rigidity to
the outer body 11.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a front view of the
animal identification, entertainment, and safety device 10. As
shown, the bottom side of the main body can include a concave area
for allowing the device 10 to sit, or rest, on an animals' back
and/or neck. Additionally, concave sides 11a and 11b (which form
the legs of the jockey in this embodiment), can expand and contract
to fit the varying sizes of different animals (see arrows A).
[0026] In another embodiment, optional traction units 40 can be
placed within the concave area in order to allow the device 10 to
"stick" to the animal itself. As used herein, traction units 40 can
include any number of known materials having an extremely high
coefficient of friction which when pressed against the skin or fur
of an animal can act to maintain the device 10 in an upright
orientation. Such materials can include, for example, rubber pads,
hook and latch material (eg., VELCRO) sticky pads, adhesion tape,
and other similar items.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the animal
identification, entertainment, and safety device 10 which further
includes a pet harness 50. As shown, the pet harness can attach to
the bottom sides of the main body 11a and 11b (see also FIG. 4),
thus forming a loop around the body of the animal 1. In this way,
the main body 11 can be securely affixed to the body of the animal
so as to prevent harm to the neck when attempting to guide the
animal to a particular location, or when restraining the animal. As
such, by providing an additional strap around the body of the
animal, it is possible (especially useful for larger dogs), to
exert more control over the movements of a pet.
[0028] As described herein, the pet harness 50 can be constructed
from a single piece of adjustable length material such as a nylon
strap, for example, and can be removably connected to the optional
lower attachment units 14 described above.
[0029] In operation, the animal identification, entertainment, and
safety device 10 can be utilized for a variety of purposes. In
addition to being used as a toy, backpack, leash and harness, as
described above, the device 10 can remain clipped to the collar 5
of a pet in order to allow a pet owner to easily identify his or
her animal in situations where many animals are present.
[0030] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the device 10 can
include a shape that is easily grasped by a users hand 60. To this
end, the device can be used to quickly control the movements of the
animal at times when a leash is not available or there is not time
to acquire a leash. Moreover, by holding the device 10 instead of
the collar 5, the hands of the pet owner remain out of reach of the
animals mouth. Such a feature can act to prevent bites which are
commonly experienced by pet owners while attempting to grab the
collar of a dog that is in an agitated state.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the
animal identification, entertainment, and safety device 10, which
further includes an integrated pet collar 75. As shown, the
integrated pet collar 75 can be permanently secured to the front
arms of the attachment unit 12a and 12b so as to be an integrated
part of the device 10. Such a feature can allow the device to be
utilized on animals without having to be secured to an existing
animal collar.
[0032] In one preferred embodiment, the integrated collar 75 can be
constructed from a lightweight elastic material (such as spandex or
stretch fabric) that is able to expand so as to easily slip over
the head of the animal and contract to a comfortable size while
remaining in place. Although illustrated as encircling the animal's
neck, one of skill in the art will recognize that the collar
portion 75 can be constructed to only cover a portion of the
animal's neck (i.e. such as a "U" clip commonly used for securing
fake antlers or other such devices to an animals head). Such
devices being well known in the art, no further description will be
provided.
[0033] Accordingly, the animal identification, entertainment, and
safety device 10, as described herein, is capable of quickly
identifying an animal, providing entertainment, and providing a
safe means of controlling the movement of the animal in a novel
manner.
[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0035] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *